How do I make the sushi rice flavorful?

Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then fold into hot cooked rice for classic sushi flavor and texture.

Can I adjust the heat level of the shrimp?

Yes, simply add more or less sriracha to the mayonnaise and shrimp mixture to reach your desired spiciness.

What is furikake and can I skip it?

Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning. It adds flavor and crunch, but you can omit it or use toasted sesame seeds instead.

Are there alternatives to shrimp?

You can substitute with cooked crab, cooked chicken, or tofu for a different protein while keeping the flavors vibrant.

How do I assemble the stacks neatly?

Use a small bowl or mold, layering ingredients with slight pressure to compact each level, then gently unmold for perfect stacks.

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks with Avocado and Cucumber

A close-up of a Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks, with rice, shrimp, and avocado. | myhomemaderecipe.com

If you dream of sushi but want a quick and impressive appetizer at home these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks bring bold flavor and playful presentation to your table with minimal fuss.

I love how these turn everyday ingredients into something stunning for a party spread or a weeknight treat. When my friends first saw these on my counter they thought I had ordered in from a fancy sushi bar. Now I make them for every potluck and we race to see who gets the last one.

Ingredients

Short grain rice: provides the signature sushi texture opt for brands labeled sushi or calrose rice for best stickiness
Rice vinegar: for flavor and authentic sushi rice experience look for unseasoned rice vinegar for purer taste
Sugar: brings subtle sweetness balancing the sharp vinegar always check for fine granules so it dissolves evenly
Salt: brightens and seasons the rice essential for depth in each bite
Cooked shrimp: peeled and deveined choose fresh or quality frozen options with a firm snap
Mayonnaise: for creaminess Japanese style mayo like Kewpie lends extra richness but any good mayo will work
Sriracha sauce: delivers the heat you can adjust based on your spice preference and choose a sriracha with bright color
Avocado: for buttery smoothness look for ripe fruit that yields slightly to gentle pressure for the best texture
Cucumber: adds crunch and coolness choose firm seedless cucumbers for less wateriness
Furikake: Japanese rice seasoning packs in umami and crunch try to find blends with seaweed and sesame seeds
Lime juice: for a fresh tang and balance use freshly squeezed for the brightest finish

Instructions

Rinse and Cook the Rice:: Rinse short grain rice under cold water until it runs clear which removes excess starch and prevents sticky clumps. Use a rice cooker or bring it to a gentle boil in a heavy pot then cover and simmer on low until grains are just tender and the water is absorbed about fifteen to twenty minutes. Let the rice sit off heat for five minutes to finish steaming.
Season the Rice:: Mix rice vinegar sugar and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Transfer cooked rice to a large bowl and drizzle the seasoning evenly. Gently fold with a rice paddle or spatula so you do not squash the grains. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature in a thin layer for best texture.
Prepare the Spicy Shrimp:: Combine cooked shrimp mayonnaise and sriracha in a bowl. Toss until all shrimp pieces are evenly coated in the spicy mayo. Taste and adjust for desired heat by adding more or less sriracha.
Dice and Prep Veggies:: Cut avocado and cucumber into small uniform cubes for even layering and best stack appearance. Squeeze lime juice over avocado to help prevent browning and ensure the freshest flavor.
Assemble the Sushi Stacks:: Use a small round mold or ramekin to build the stacks. Press a layer of seasoned rice at the bottom to form a firm base. Add a layer of diced avocado followed by a layer of cucumber gently pressing each to keep clean layers. Spoon on the spicy shrimp and press lightly once more.
Shape and Garnish:: Remove the mold slowly to reveal layered stacks. Sprinkle each stack with furikake and finish with a drizzle of lime juice just before serving for a punch of freshness.
Serve and Enjoy:: Present the spicy shrimp sushi stacks on a platter. Watch as everyone marvels at how pretty and tasty these little towers are. Serve immediately for best texture.

A plate of shrimp and rice with a spicy sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Shrimp and sriracha are one of my favorite flavor pairings and I find that even people who are usually wary of heat come back for seconds when the rice and avocado mellow it out. My niece calls these party sushi towers and helps me pack the layers every time.

Storage tips

You can prepare the rice and spicy shrimp up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge in airtight containers. For freshest results assemble the stacks and add avocado just before serving. If you have leftovers cover tightly with plastic and eat within a day for best taste.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have furikake try a mix of toasted sesame seeds and crumbled nori. You can swap shrimp for imitation crab or cooked salmon if needed. For less heat replace sriracha with a milder chili sauce or a dollop of plain mayo.

Serving suggestions

Serve on a platter with extra lime wedges and sriracha on the side for those who like extra spice. These stacks go well with miso soup or an Asian style slaw for a light meal. For a party make mini versions in silicone muffin cups for bite size treats.

Cultural note

While not a traditional Japanese dish sushi stacks reflect a fun fusion approach seen at many American sushi restaurants. They borrow sushi’s flavors and emphasize playful at home presentation which I love for casual gatherings.

A plate of sushi with shrimp, avocado, and rice. | myhomemaderecipe.com

These sushi stacks make any meal more festive and inviting. Try them for your next gathering and they’ll be gone in a flash.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the sushi rice flavorful?: Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then fold into hot cooked rice for classic sushi flavor and texture.
→ Can I adjust the heat level of the shrimp?: Yes, simply add more or less sriracha to the mayonnaise and shrimp mixture to reach your desired spiciness.
→ What is furikake and can I skip it?: Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning. It adds flavor and crunch, but you can omit it or use toasted sesame seeds instead.
→ Are there alternatives to shrimp?: You can substitute with cooked crab, cooked chicken, or tofu for a different protein while keeping the flavors vibrant.
→ How do I assemble the stacks neatly?: Use a small bowl or mold, layering ingredients with slight pressure to compact each level, then gently unmold for perfect stacks.